Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 29 170 years ago, when the British government encouraged all its then-colonies to form their own societies to mirror its own Royal Society of Arts in London. Other than the RSA, the only one that still exists today is in Malta." Having the Palace as its seat has been an important contributor to the Society's longevity, he highlights. "The building gives prestige to the MSA – as buildings always do – and has allowed the MSA to offer its courses and solidify its identity as a centre for the arts. Palazzo de La Salle has enabled the MSA to survive." The past decade has seen the Palazzo rehabilitated into a state-of-the-art venue to serve the MSA's mission to support excellence in visual, performing and applied arts through providing space, education and outreach opportunities. To mark its 100 years at Palazzo de La Salle, Malta's oldest art institution has published a book, Palazzo de La Salle, Genesis & Evolution, featuring essays about the Palace and the MSA. Likewise, an ongoing year-long programme of events includes workshops, activities, lectures on the history of the Palace and two exclusive exhibitions exploring the Society's identity, memory and legacy. The unique celebration also features a monthly programme of musical concerts and masterclasses curated by Karl Fiorini, with performances of music from newly discovered manuscripts from the Society's archives. "Our programme tells a 100-year-old story through art," concludes Mamo. "The MSA's centenary at Palazzo de La Salle epitomises how we can bring a modern use to historic buildings; how we can successfully and respectfully merge the old with the new. The MSA believes that art in all its forms and expressions can lead to a better society, and we feel an obligation to all those who have run the Society for the past 170 years to uphold this mission, offering encouragement to artists and providing a space where the public can appreciate this artistic expression. My admiration and thanks go to all the thousands of people who have given their time to keep the Society alive." For more details about the Malta Society of Arts and its 100 years at Palazzo de La Salle celebrations, visit www.artsmalta.org or www. facebook.com/maltasocietyofarts. The palace features one of the earliest known private chapels in Valletta, with a decorated altar surround dated to the 17th century and a top frieze from the 18th century " O n e o f t h e A r t G a l l e r i e s C o n s e r v a t i o n o f S a l a d e i C a v a l i e r i

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